Joseph Goldstein On: How Not To Try Too Hard in Meditation, Why You Shouldn't "Waste Your Suffering," and the Value Of Seeing How Ridiculous You Are

Effort Balance

Joseph Goldstein explores the concept of balancing effort in meditation, emphasizing the importance of tuning one's mental strings like a musical instrument. He explains that effort should neither be too tight, causing tension, nor too loose, leading to distraction. This balance is crucial for letting go of unskillful states and cultivating skillful ones 1.

It's not that we find it and then we have it. It's a continual state of monitoring the quality of our effort or our energy.

--- Joseph Goldstein

Goldstein suggests that practitioners can become their own teachers by learning to monitor their effort, thus avoiding the extremes of overexertion and under-engagement 1.

   

Steadiness

Developing steadiness in meditation involves cultivating a relaxed focus, which Joseph Goldstein describes as a key component of concentration. He distinguishes between unhelpful wanting, which involves clinging, and wholesome aspiration, which sets a direction without attachment 2.

Concentration is not the goal. It's not the end we want to develop it in the service of wisdom, and it's a necessary component of developing wisdom.

--- Joseph Goldstein

Goldstein prefers the term "steadiness" over "concentration," as it implies a relaxed, intentional focus that fosters wisdom and deeper understanding 3.